The film is based on the true story of Chinese martial arts master Huo Yuanjia, who became the most famous fighter in all of China at the turn of the 20th century. As a young man, Huo (Jet Li) is unbeatable and due to a fight that goes terribly wrong, his life comes crashing down. After going on a journey of self-discovery, he returns home to restore his family's name and start a martial arts school. Soon after, he is asked to fight in a tournament against four international fighters.